The Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR), Habiburokhman, has affirmed that the use of the State Budget (APBN) for President Prabowo Subianto’s sacrificial animal procurement, facilitated through the Presidential Aid (Banpres) scheme, does not violate either legal regulations or Islamic sharia. This statement addresses recent discussions surrounding the initiative.
According to Habiburokhman, this policy is firmly grounded in legal precedent, specifically citing Article 3 Paragraph (1) of Law Number 17 Year 2003 concerning State Finance. Furthermore, its implementation is regulated under the 2026 State Budget Law through the Ministry of State Secretariat, ensuring proper administrative oversight.
The Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Party elaborated that this policy transcends mere religious observance. He views it as a clear demonstration of President Prabowo’s commitment to supporting both small-scale communities and local cattle breeders, thereby stimulating the rural economy.
“The state inherently possesses a social function to assist its citizens, particularly during significant religious and humanitarian occasions,” Habiburokhman explained in a video statement on Thursday, May 28, underscoring the broader societal benefits of the program.
Addressing criticism that Indonesia is not solely a Muslim-majority nation, Habiburokhman clarified that the government extends its attention and support to followers of other faiths as well. “We are well aware that President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is also deeply concerned with the interests of other religious communities,” he reiterated, emphasizing inclusivity.
Further reinforcing this stance, Asrorun Niam Sholeh, Chairman of the Fatwa Division of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), urged the public to refrain from debating the procurement of the President’s sacrificial cattle using state funds. He asserted that, from the perspectives of both Islamic law (syar’i) and state administrative procedures, the initiative is entirely legitimate and presents no issues.
“As narrated by Imam Bukhari, it is considered sunnah for an imam—in the Indonesian context, this refers to the President—to purchase sacrificial animals through Baitul Mal (the state treasury),” Sholeh stated in an MUI press release on Wednesday, May 27, providing robust religious justification for the program.
Previously, President Prabowo had prepared a substantial contribution of 1,098 sacrificial cattle, allocated with a budget of Rp 100 billion. This significant aid package has since been distributed across various regions nationwide, reaching vital institutions including educational establishments and Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren).
Summary
Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman has defended the use of the State Budget (APBN) for President Prabowo Subianto’s sacrificial animal program, asserting that the initiative complies with both Indonesian law and Islamic sharia. Grounded in the State Finance Law, the program involves a Rp 100 billion budget to distribute 1,098 cattle across the country, serving as a social support mechanism for communities and local breeders. The government maintains that this policy is inclusive, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting citizens across all religious backgrounds.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has corroborated this position, with the Fatwa Division chairman noting that the use of state funds for such purposes is legitimate and supported by religious tradition. By framing the purchase as an act of the state treasury (Baitul Mal), officials have addressed public concerns and emphasized the program’s role in stimulating the rural economy. This initiative ultimately aims to provide aid to various institutions, including educational centers and boarding schools, as part of the administration’s humanitarian efforts.